A business owner received a Ulez penalty of £559 andthreatening letters from a bailiff despite paying the charge.
In August 2022, the Cotswolds-based entrepreneur was opening a new site in London and paid the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) charge each time they drove in.
They paid the £27.50 charge on the morning of August 29, 2022 but still received a penalty which was disputed and appealed.
"Prior to receiving a decision, I began to get threatening letters from bailiffs, suggesting I could have personal items seized from my home," the business owner said in a letter to The Guardian.
A business owner received a Ulez penalty of £559 and threatening letters from a bailiff despite paying the charge
PAThe bailiffs suggested they paid the £559 immediately for the penalty charge and their fee - which would all be refunded if the appeal was won.
They paid the charge in a bid to avoid further stress, despite having the bank statements to prove the charge had been paid.
However, in September 2023, the driver received a summons claiming it remained unpaid.
They added: "Despite paying a solicitor to send off a signed affidavit, I am still receiving threatening letters."LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Following an investigation, it appeared the motorist had entered their registration incorrectly while paying.
To further confuse matters, the car which was accidentally paid for, was also a grey BMW.
TfL were eventually able to find the original payment.
The penalties and further outstanding charges were subsequently cancelled.
TfLwere eventually able to find the original payment
PAThe business owner also received a refund for the money paid and an apology for the distress caused.
They were advised to use auto pay if planning on regularly driving into London to avoid any penalties.
TfL recommended that the registration plate is double checked.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We apologise for any distress this has caused. After a further conversation it is clear they made a genuine attempt to pay the charges but unfortunately paid for the wrong vehicle.
"We have cancelled the penalties and any other outstanding charges and have refunded the monies paid to date against the other PCN.
"We are happy to support this customer in setting up an Auto Pay account to ensure they won't receive a fine in the future."
